ORDER OF WORSHIP OCTOBER 4TH, 2026
ORDER OF WORSHIP
OCTOBER 4TH, 2026
10:30 AM
TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
WORLD COMMUNION DAY
World Communion Sunday is a celebration of our unity in Christ as experienced in Holy Communion. As we lift bread and cup, Christians around the world do the same. We pray together, asking God to make us one with Christ and with each other. While this is true for all celebrations of the Eucharist, the first Sunday in October is set aside to be intentional about our desire for better relationships with Christians across all the various lines that divide us.
**Kindly stand if you are able
**PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR PHONE before Worship
PRELUDE “Wondrous Love” - J. Christopher
John Coates, Organ
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 19)
LEADER: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.PEOPLE: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.LEADER: There is no speech, nor are there words; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
PEOPLE: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple, the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
LEADER: The ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, and sweeter also than honey
PEOPLE: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
INVOCATION
Holy God, from all corners of earth, your people sing your praise and prepare to feast at your table. Thank you for the opportunity to share worship with those from around the globe as we share this joyful world communion Sunday with believers of different ages, races, and languages. Gather us all into your loving embrace as we rejoice, sharing Christ’s love.
**OPENING HYMN “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Red #708
CALL TO CONFESSION
There are none among us who are free from sin. We come to God asking for his
understanding of our faults.
PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING
Today, God, we confess fumblings and failures in accomplishing unity, as we set aside yet another day to remind ourselves of the task. On this World Communion Sunday, give us eyes to recognize your reflection in the eyes of Christians everywhere. Give us a mind to accept and celebrate our differences. Give us a heart big enough to love your children everywhere. We thank you for setting a table with space enough for us all!
(A moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
We do not know what will happen in our lives, but we do know that we are children of God and that belief in him offers salvation.
**GLORIA PATRI Avery and Marsh (Back of Red Hymnal)
**HYMN OF PRAISE “Come, Share the Lord” Red #782
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Glost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Faithful God, how blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Sanctify us by your Word and Spirit so that we may glorify you in the company of the faithful; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Libby Szymanowicz
NEW TESTAMENT Philippians 3:7-14
GOSPEL Matthew 21:33-46
SERMON MESSAGE “Spiritual Fruits” Mary Whidden
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
And Lord we pray for those in our own hearts whose names you already know, for their own healing and comfort, in your name and that of our redeemer Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
debtors.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN “Let Us Break Bread Together” Red #776
HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation to the Table
Great Prayer of Thanks
Words of Institution
Prayer of Conclusion
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Let us return to God the offerings of our life and the gifts of the earth. May our gifts be a blessing to those who receive them. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
OFFERTORY “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” Red #641
DOXOLOGY Avery & Marsh (Back of the Red hymnal)
PRAYER OF THANKS
We thank you, our Lord for those gifts to us that we send to you for your work and ours in congregation, community, and culture. Guide us in good use as we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HYMN OF PARTING “We are One in the Spirit” (Insert)
BENEDICTION
Lack of the assurance of salvation need not deter anyone from coming to the table of the Lord, since the Lord’s Supper was instituted for the very purpose of strengthening faith.
- Louis Berkhof
POSTLUDE “O Christians, Haste” Red #731
Mary Whidden
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
(845) 562-0954
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